FAMILY and friends of devoted mother and wife Aleasha Coan have said their final goodbyes at an emotional ceremony.

The 36-year-old’s husband Rob and her sons Oliver, 11, and Toby, ten, were among those to pay tribute to her.

More than 300 people gathered at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, in West Mersea, for her funeral yesterday.

Each person wore a pink rose – Aleasha’s favourite flower.

Rob spoke about Aleasha’s kind heart and trusting personality.

He told stories about their relationship, including how they met on a blind date and how he proposed on Mersea beach.

Oliver and Toby also said a few words for their mother, met by applause from everyone in the packed church.

Aleasha’s old headteacher and long-term friend spoke about her life, her schooldays and her devotion to her family.

During the service, the congregation sang All Things Bright and Beautiful, which was one of the hymns Rob and Aleasha had sung at their wedding.

Aleasha, who lived in Elmstead Road, Colchester, went missing from her home on January 4, sparking a search operation which saw hundreds of friends gather at just hours’ notice, to try to find her.

Her body was found by search volunteers near Essex University at Wivenhoe Park two days later. Aleasha’s family are determined to raise money for the charity Ovarian Cancer Action in her memory.

Although it was not the cause of her death, she had a growth removed, which turned out to be a rare granulosa cell tumour, at the age of 32.

The family have already raised £2,116 for the cause thanks to donations from family and friends.

The first official fundraising event will be a walk along the Wivenhoe Trail on March 28 – Aleasha’s birthday. Aleasha had planned to take part in this event herself.

To contribute to the charity in Aleasha’s memory visit aleasha.coan.muchloved.com.

Click here to read more about the family's fundraising.